Manchester United have angered Blackburn Rovers after head-hunting fitness coach, Tony Strudwick, to replace Valter di Salvo, who has left to take up a position with Real Madrid's backroom staff.

The Guardian says Blackburn have been described as "extremely disappointed" to lose Strudwick, who has also worked for West Ham, Coventry City and the Football Association, and was one of Mark Hughes's first appointments.

United had advertised the position but made an official request to Blackburn to interview Strudwick after Ferguson heard glowing reports about the club's "exercise scientist".

Di Salvo, who left on bad terms on the day before pre-season training began, is currently on gardening leave and United have asked Madrid for compensation.